By Aliyu Umar Aliyu
A high-level dialogue on Carbon Markets, Innovative Finance and Regenerative Solutions, held on the sidelines of COP30, brought together climate finance leaders, researchers and civil society actors to strengthen collaboration between the Global South and North.
The event, co-hosted by the Foundation Development and Climate Alliance in partnership with myclimate, NOW Partners Foundation and Food Tank, took place on November 17 in Belém, Brazil. It examined emerging market-based climate solutions and the role of innovative financing in supporting forest protection, sustainable livelihoods and regenerative development.
Moderated by sustainability advocate Danielle Nierenberg, the panel featured contributions from Peter Renner of the Foundation Development and Climate Alliance, Dr. Ahmed Elshazly of Heliopolis University, and Merijn Dols of NOW Partners Foundation and the Future Economy Forum.
Speakers highlighted the urgent need to scale high-integrity carbon markets, deepen climate-resilient investments and ensure financial flows reach frontline communities that safeguard global forests. They also stressed that regenerative economic models, rooted in nature-positive practices, remain critical to achieving long-term climate goals.
The session was part of a series of engagements at COP30 focused on shaping a fair and accountable global carbon market architecture, particularly as countries negotiate new frameworks for Article 6 implementation.
Participants expressed optimism that stronger partnerships between public and private actors, coupled with new forest-finance initiatives, will accelerate progress in protecting biodiversity and reducing emissions.
COP30 continues in Belém with negotiations and side events aimed at advancing global action on climate adaptation, mitigation and sustainable development.
